Swansea v Stoke preview: Two safe and secure clubs clash at the Liberty

Both Swansea and Stoke have the luxury of playing without pressure when they meet in a mid-table clash.

The two teams have had successful seasons with Swansea reaching the 50 point mark for the first time since they gained promotion to the Premier League, while Stoke are just three points behind them in the table after a progressive year under Mark Hughes.  

However, Stoke have won just one of their last six Premier League matches and face a reliable Swans outfit at the Liberty Stadium, where they are notoriously strong against sides outside the top six.

Against teams in the bottom 10 of the league Swansea are unbeaten at home, winning six and drawing three.

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Team news

Swansea defender Neil Taylor has completed a two-match suspension and returns to the squad.

Taylor is set to reclaim the left-back spot from Jordi Amat while Ecuador winger Jefferson Montero has recovered from the thigh problem which forced off him during last week's 3-2 win at Newcastle and should start.

Stoke midfielder Charlie Adam will wear a protective mask in the match after breaking his nose in training.

Defender Geoff Cameron has not trained all week because of a hamstring problem and faces a late fitness test.

Opta facts

Swansea have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last seven Premier League games at Liberty Stadium.

Gylfi Sigurdsson is only the third player to reach double figures for goal assists this season (10) after Cesc Fabregas and Angel Di Maria.

Swansea have seen their woodwork struck 18 times this season, more than any other team in the top flight.

The Potters are the only team in the Premier League this season who have not picked up any red cards.

However, only Crystal Palace (462) have committed more fouls than Stoke City (433) this season.

Stoke only need one more win to equal their best ever points tally in a Premier League season which came in 2013-14 (50), while Swansea have already set a new high in the competition with 50 points this season.

Charlie Adam has scored in three of his last four Premier League appearances.

Merson's prediction

There's not a lot between these two sides. I watched Stoke last week and their boring tag has completely transformed over a couple years. They play really good football and have done really well.

Hughes could lead them to their record points haul in the Premier League with just four more points, set by himself last season. That tells you all you need to know about the direction they are going under the Welshman.

Swansea have been majorly inconsistent, but I expect them to be around this area next season too. The outlook is bright for both sides.

PAUL PREDICTS 1-1 (5/1 on Sky Bet)

Betting

Little is at stake but Swansea are 23/20 favourites for the points, with a draw priced up at 9/4 and an away win for Stoke rated 12/5 with Sky Bet. A win for the Potters would see them move above their opponents into eighth spot on goal difference, and they’re 7/2 to sneak a victory by one goal. However, both sides are expected to finish in the top ten regardless of the result, with the Swans rated 1/50 and Stoke priced up at 1/5. Both Charlie Nicholas and Phil Thompson are expecting an open game, each backing a 2-2 draw at 16/1.